Interplay of Nanoparticle Rigidity and Its Translocation Ability through Cell Membrane
Liuyang Zhang1, Hongmin Chen2, Jin Xie
1State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering , Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an , Shaanxi 710049 , China.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|October 1, 2019
Summary
More rigid nanoparticles (NPs) show higher cellular uptake efficiency due to better endosome coating. This finding is crucial for designing effective nanoparticle drug delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cellular uptake of nanoparticles (NPs) is a key process for drug delivery.
- The mechanical properties of NPs, such as rigidity, may influence their cellular interactions.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for optimizing NP-based therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of nanoparticle mechanical rigidity in the cellular endocytic process.
- To determine how NP rigidity affects cellular uptake efficiency and internalization mechanisms.
- To provide insights into the design principles for NP-based drug delivery vectors.
Main Methods:
- Experiments using engineered gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with varying rigidities.
- Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of NP-cell membrane interactions.
- Theoretical analyses of energy barriers for NP internalization.
Main Results:
- More rigid NPs exhibited higher cellular uptake efficiency compared to softer NPs.
- Rigid NPs achieved full internalization by forming complete endosome coatings.
- Softer NPs showed limited membrane coverage, hindering complete internalization.
- Simulations revealed cooperative translocation of NPs, regulated by their rigidity.
- Theoretical analysis confirmed lower energy requirements for rigid NP internalization.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle mechanical rigidity is a critical factor governing cellular endocytosis.
- Designing rigid NPs can enhance their cellular uptake and drug delivery potential.
- This study provides valuable insights for developing advanced NP-based medicines.
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